House of Commons · Written Ministerial Statement
Defence funding update
30 June 2026 · Treasury
Proposed by Rachel Reeves Lab Leeds West
Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.
At a glance
Key points
- Chancellor announces additional funding for the Defence Investment Plan.
- Government commits an additional 15 billion over four years for defence.
- Funding will support initiatives like drone warfare, RAF aircraft development, and space capabilities.
Issue summary
The Chancellor announces additional funding for the Defence Investment Plan to enhance national security and military capability.
Action requested
The government is committing an additional £15 billion over four years (2026-27 to 2029-30) for defence, increasing total spending to £60 billion more than previously planned. This funding will support various initiatives including drone warfare, RAF aircraft development, munitions and weapons investment, space capabilities, and AI-driven procurement improvements.
Key facts
- The government will spend over £60 billion more on defence between 2026-27 and 2029-30 than previously planned.
- Defence spending will reach 2.7% of GDP from 2027-28 onwards, solidifying the UK as NATO’s third-largest spender after the US and Germany.
- The UK aims to increase defence spending to 3% of GDP in the next Parliament and achieve 3.5% by 2035.
- £15 billion will be invested into drones and autonomous systems, including £8.6 billion for RAF aircraft under the Global Combat Air Programme.
- The Defence Investment Plan totals £298 billion over four years, funded through reprioritising public spending across government departments.